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ABC news anchor Elizabeth Vargas returns to rehab

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas is continuing her battle against alcohol addiction and has headed back to rehab, she confirmed to several outlets on Sunday.

The “20/20” co-anchor has been open with the public about her struggle in the past. While on vacation in California this weekend, she checked into a treatment facility.

"As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process. I feel I have let myself, my co-workers and most importantly my family down and for that I am ashamed and sorry," Vargas said in a statement.

The 51-year-old was in a treatment facility for several weeks last fall. She opened up about her addiction in January during an interview with "Good Morning America" co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, admitting that she had reached out for help.

"I am. I am an alcoholic," she said. "It took me a long time to admit that to myself. It took me a long time to admit it to my family, but I am."

She went into detail about her addiction, and revealed that she was in Alcoholics Anonymous.

Vargas has been with 1996. There's been no word on when she will return to work.